1720-AA French Colonies Liard (John Law Related) Metz Mint VF30. Glossy chocolate and olive brown with slightly lighter toning on the highpoints. Sharply struck and quite attractive for the grade. The only marks are some old, light scratches hidden under the toning in the field left of the shield on the reverse. These pieces were issued by authority of the Compagnie des Indes under John Law's control when the company had the right to mint French coinage. This coinage was backed by the natural resources of France's "Mississippi" holdings (think "Louisiana Purchase"). This piece was displayed as part of the "Coinage of the Americas Conference" exhibit, and it comes with the small display tag from that event. See page 52 in the "Redbook" for a discussion of similar pieces. Similar to Breen-298 but a smaller denomination. Weight 47.4 grains.
Estimated Value $200-UP.
Ex Tony Terranova, 2004 C-4 Sale, McCawley & Grellman Auctions 11/13/2004:14 (lot ticket included).
U.S. Colonial and Copper Coins,
Colonials